Summer Reading Enrichment
Middle School
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN
Reading is most powerful when students have both time and choice. While setting aside time for reading is important, the real goal is to help students discover books they genuinely enjoy and want to keep reading. I encourage students to explore a wide variety of books that include different genres, authors, and topics. Students should seek titles that are interesting and engaging to them personally. Reading should not simply be about reaching a required number of minutes or completing a quota. Instead, it should be about building curiosity, finding favorite stories, and developing a lifelong love of reading.
Debbie Sellars, Middle School Librarian
Suggested Reading Lists
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The Lone Star Reading List 2026 is a yearly book list created by the Texas Library Association for students in grades 6–8. It features a variety of books selected by members of the Young Adult Round Table, including librarians like me from across the state of Texas. |
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The American Library Association publishes several Book and Media lists for middle school readers. These recommendations come from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) members and include: Best Fiction for Young Adults, Great Graphic Novels, and Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers. |
National Award Winners
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These books are honored for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children and are best for readers in grades four through eight. |
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This national award recognizes the best books in the young adult genre, intended for grades seven through twelve. Please note that the content in these books may be more mature. |
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These books honor outstanding works by Black authors and illustrators, including middle- and upper-school titles. |
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These books honor works that highlight Latino/Latina authors and stories and are considered appropriate for upper-elementary through middle-school readers. |
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These books have earned the most enduring award for LGBTQIA+ books. There is a specific division that features books for children and young adults. |
Upper School
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE UPPER SCHOOL LIBRARIAN
Enrichment reading is all about following your own interests and curiosities. If you don’t like what you’re reading, simply set it aside and pick something else. Remember: there is a book for everyone, but not every book is for everyone. True enrichment goes beyond traditional novels, so feel free to explore audiobooks, journal articles, short stories, or entirely new genres. Consider tracking your journey in a bullet journal, reading along with your family, or swapping recommendations with your friends. You can even reach out to me over the summer, too - the choice is yours!
Mary Jo Lyons, Upper School Librarian
Suggested Reading Lists
Outstanding Books for the College Bound
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Developed every five years by a YALSA committee of school, public, and academic librarians, this list is designed for students preparing for college. It features diverse, multidisciplinary titles intended to strengthen subject knowledge, enhance cultural appreciation, and support independent learning before college entrance exams. |
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The Texas Library Association curates annual, expert-vetted reading lists spanning multiple genres and interests. For Upper School students, we highly recommend exploring the Tayshas (fiction and nonfiction), Lariat (outstanding fiction), Texas Topaz (stimulating nonfiction), and Maverick (graphic novels) lists to find engaging, recreational reads. |
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Booklist Reader is a monthly digital magazine from the American Library Association featuring high-interest, diverse book recommendations for readers of all ages. Updated each month with curated lists for both print and audiobooks, it is an excellent tool for families looking to discover new, engaging titles to read or listen to over the summer. |
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The American Library Association and its divisions honor outstanding books and media through a variety of annual awards. These prestigious accolades recognize exceptional publications, as well as the authors, illustrators, and publishers who create them. |
Resources
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The YALSA Teen Book Finder Database offers a searchable collection of over 4,000 award-winning titles, audiobooks, and films for readers ages 12 to 18. Because these recommendations span a wide range of maturity levels, we encourage parents to explore the database alongside their teens to find the best fit for their family |
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ESD’s Sora Digital Library offers students direct access to Gill Library’s extensive collection of eBooks and audiobooks. Powered by OverDrive, books can be easily downloaded to smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and computers. Visit our Sora Digital Library Setup Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to log in and start reading. |
